Ameliorate
Problem: Mosquito-borne diseases are rampant in India with an observed rise in dengue and chikungunya cases between 2015 and 2021. While malaria prevalence has reduced over the last 20 years, absolute numbers stand high. These illnesses often present similar symptoms at an early stage, which can lead to a misdiagnosis or even delayed diagnosis. Thus, there is an immediate need for a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that is real-time, easy-to-use, affordable, user-friendly and equipment free.
Solution: Addressing these need gaps, Ameliorate developed an accurate, multiplexed RDT for differential detection of dengue, chikungunya and malaria (with malaria falciparum and vivax differentiation). The single test kit uses a single blood sample and can be easily used by minimally trained workforce at primary level. The process eliminates the need of serum/plasma samples, is instantaneous, doesn’t need cold chain facility/ biosafety lab; ensures minimal medical waste generation.
Impact: The funding from IHF will enable prospective, multicentric performance and cost-effectiveness evaluation of the RDT, to be made available at a discounted price of INR 200/pc to the public health system for government procurements. This is far less than existing fever panel priced at INR 3000-4000.
“Ameliorate has a game-changing solution at hand that can help individuals in the remotest corners differentiate quickly between fever illnesses and seek appropriate treatment”.
Dr. Binita Shrivastava Tunga, Director and Co – founder, Ameliorate
“Support and funding from India Health Fund will provide the much-needed impetus for this innovation to reach the underserved.”
Dr Rashbehari Tunga, Managing Director and Founder, Ameliorate Biotech Pvt. Ltd.